The Luxury Podcast

We have previously talked about the phenomenal growth of the off-plan market in Dubai. This has propelled the launch of several exciting new residential projects in the latter half of this year and has brought several boutique developers to the forefront. One of those developers is Amis Properties, whose inaugural project The Woodland Residences will soon officially launch in MBR City. Omar Gull, Managing Partner at Amis and a former sales specialist for both Emaar and Damac, talks about some of the most notable market trends.

In this episode, we cover:

- The Woodland Residences and its USP in Dubai's residential market

- Omar's experience in real estate working with some of Dubai's most renowned developers

- What led to the founding of Amis Properties and Omar's own development company, Cledor

- Factors driving the growth of villas and villa communities

- How the city is balancing its growth in the luxury segment with the demand for affordable homes

- How a new developer can stand out in a heated off-plan market

- Outlook for 2024

- The most interesting off-plan developments to watch

The rental market in Dubai is getting out of hand - at least, that's what the news seems to suggest. Rental prices have hit staggering highs, with apartment rents being at their highest point since February 2017. What does this mean for landlords and tenants going forward? And could we be on the cusp of a reversal? Simon Boden, Leasing Director of LuxuryProperty.com, examines the latest rental trends.

In this episode, we cover:

- What the rise in $1 million+ rentals means for the market

- How the general market is being impacted by the price increases in prime and super prime

- The post-Covid comeback of apartment living and recent trends in that sector

- Demographic trends as Russian and Eastern European activity has cooled in 2023

- The most exciting rental communities in 2024

Dubai's real estate market is extremely lucrative for professionals from all walks of life, who aim to live the so-called 'Dubai dream' as they market some of the finest homes in the city. But registered brokers number in the tens of thousands - how does any agent stand out and find continued success? Maisie Hopkins, Training and Development Manager at LuxuryProperty.com, has a few tips.

In this episode, we cover:

- Maisie's background a sales trainer and her experience with BMW

- Separating the dream from the reality of working in Dubai real estate

- Finding the right brokerage to work for as a new agent

- How agents can stand out and highlight their brand in a crowded market

- The important of continued development and training

- Working smart versus working hard

Racing season is almost over and it is going out with a bang, as the final race is schedule on the famous Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. But a week before that, there is a brand new entry to the race schedule - the Las Vegas Grand Prix. One of the exhibitors at the event is Tyler Price, founder of ExoticWorld cars. Tyler joins the podcast to talk about his relationship with ResortWorld and the Wynn Resorts, what the advent of gaming in the UAE could mean for the country, and more.

In this episode, we cover:

- How ExoticWorld got involved with the Las Vegas Grand Prix

- How the first Wynn Resort in the UAE can be a real gamechanger

- The history of ExoticWorld and Tyler's experience with cars

- The prevailing trends in the luxury automotive market

- Top tips for luxury car collectors and investors

Dubai has officially become the busiest luxury real estate market in the world with over AED3.1 billion ($850 million) worth of sales for properties priced at $10 million or higher. The off-plan sector has been performing especially well, with off-plan accounting for roughly 61% of all transactions. Mark Richards, Managing Director of LuxuryProperty.com, discusses the incredible growth of Dubai's off-plan market.

In this episode, we cover:

- Factors driving the off-plan market in 2023

- How the off-plan market has changed in the past 15 years

- How developers stay competitive in a busy market

- What's next for the off-plan market in 2024

- The most interesting projects to keep an eye on

Dubai is a city known for its incredible architecture and some of the most uniquely designed homes in the world. But what is the process behind that design? For CK Architecture, design isn't just about aesthetics - there is an entire philosophy that goes into the planning and execution of any project. Cem Kapancioglu, the Founder and CEO of CK Architecture, talks about his unique approach to designing some of the most incredible buildings in Dubai.

In this episode, we cover:

- Projects that CK Architecture have completed and are working on

- Cem's personal design philosophy

- How the industry has changed over the years

- The impact of new technologies like 3D printing on home design

- What's next for CK Architecture

White glove services are one of the cornerstones of the hospitality industry and are becoming increasingly popular in the luxury residential sector. Truly, there is no greater sense of luxury than being assured that all of life's details are being managed by safe hands while you can enjoy complete peace of mind. Matteo Vigano and Emilie Alvernhe, the founders of First-Class Concierge Services and long-time hospitality experts, talk about what it takes to provide service that has a truly personal touch.

In this episode, we cover:

- Matteo and Emilie's experiences in the hospitality industry, including working together at Emirates Palace

- What led to the founding of first-class concierge services

- How anyone in the hospitality industry can take service to the next level

- The biggest challenges when dealing with clients and how to overcome them

- How Covid has changed the hospitality and service industries

- The future of First-Class Concierge

Stephanie Sarka, the Founder & CEO of 1 Atelier, talks about how she is taking sustainable fashion in a new direction with her bespoke accessory design service. It's a great way to get the perfect addition to your wardrobe while doing something good for the planet. As the concept of sustainability becomes more prevalent across all industries, it's important to take a moment and consider how business practices and entire production methods can be altered to have a much smaller carbon footprint.

In this episode, we cover:

- The 1 Atelier design concept and what makes inherently sustainable

- The design process involved and how a specific item comes together

- Stephanie's journey from finance to fashion to sustainability

- The sourcing of materials, including working with selected tanneries and vendors

- Challenges in trying to promote a sustainable business

- The Future of 1 Atelier and the sustainable fashion industry

There is no greater luxury in the world than being able to design your own home exactly as you want it, to suit your lifestyle. But the reality of building a home involves a lot of logistics, with various groups to coordinate and deadlines to consider. Fortunately, there are those who can help. Brendan Carbery, Managing Director of Shield Contract Services, talks about the work that his consultancy does across the prime residential market in Dubai, and how he makes the process of building your dream home just a bit easier.

In this episode, we cover:

- The range of services offered by Shield Contract Services

- Brendan's experience in the construction industry and how that led him to found his own business

- How the industry has changed since he first started, and post-Covid

- The most challenging part of the work that Shield Contract Services does

- What the future of the industry is

London has always been a top choice for home buyers and investors from across the world and has enjoyed a fairly solid performance in a post-Covid world. However, a changing economic climate and the appointment of a new prime minister have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of the market. Laura Conduit, a Partner in the Residential Property division of Farrer & Co., talks about the key drivers in the London market and why it might be too early to suggest that things are headed for a sustained downturn.

In this episode, we cover:

- The range of services offered by Farrer & Co.

- Uncertainty in the market due to current economic factors

- Main drivers in London's prime markets and what the hottest areas are

- Predicted impact of the energy crisis

- Important things that buyers and sellers need to be aware of in the current market

- Awareness of the tax and duties to be paid when buying a second property in the UK

- Outlook for the London market over the short to medium term

What makes a hotel stay memorable? When we travel, we appreciate the little things that a five-star property has to offer, from the range of services to the small touches such as a soothing colour palette, hotel slippers, or perhaps heated floors in the bathroom. The rise of short-term rentals and holiday rentals now allows you to enjoy all of the comforts of hotel living in a home away from home. But what if you wanted to create a five-star experience in your own home? Darcy Guttwein, a passionate traveler and lifestyle designer, talks about how to marry hospitality and everyday life, as detailed in her book Hotels to Home.

In this episode, we cover:

- Darcy's lifestyle journey and the birth of the Hotels to Home concept

- Determining your personal hotel brand

- Key hospitality elements to incorporate into your own home

- The concept of 'no demand' days, which you can use at home and even in the office

- How the approach to Hotels to Home has evolved and continues to grow

- The future of Hotels to Home as a lifestyle consultancy service

Dubai's real estate market has been moving at a frenetic pace in 2022, for both sales and rentals. For LuxuryProperty.com, the award-winning brokerage that is the parent company of The Luxury Podcast, the rental business has been good this year - so good that the rental team had to be split into two divisions. Alex Eady (Head Short Stays and Leasing Director for Apartment Rentals) and Simon Boden (Leasing Director for Villa Rentals) talk about the year so far and what to expect from the market in the near term.

In this episode, we cover:

- Long-term and short-term rental performance in 2022

- Key market drivers and what tenants are looking for

- Hot areas in the market for rentals

- The potential effect of the Qatar World Cup 2022 on the rental market

- Simon's background and his experience in the real estate market

- The contrast between long-term and short-term rentals

- Advice for new rental agents

- What to expect from Q4 2022 and beyond

Private membership cards offer a unique range of benefits and privileges, from discounts at some of the best restaurants in the world to exclusively hosted events. Carlo Cisco, the founder of Select Card, talks about how he set up his own private membership program and how he designed it to be very different from the other options out there.

In this episode, we cover:

- The benefits associated with the Select Card

- What makes Select unique in comparison to other membership programs

- How Carlo finds the best brands to partner with

- Carlo's entrepreneurial journey and what led to the founding of Select

- The impact of Covid and rising interest rates on business

- Global expansion plans for Select and what else to expect in the future

Virtual assets such as cryptocurrency and NFTs are still often seen as a fad rather than a meaningful advancement in the way we think about the future of business. The crypto market is extremely volatile and many celebrities are creating NFTs that don't offer much value beyond the novelty factor. While new laws are being drafted to regulate virtual assets, is it really possible to create a robust regulatory framework? Khalil Kassam, the founder of NFT management agency Fomo Lab, looks past the hype and the headlines and helps to shed some light on the future of virtual assets.

In this episode, we cover:

- Dubai's first Virtual Asset Law and the development of cryptocurrency regulations

- The metaverse and its value in creating unique virtual experiences

- The real value of NFTs beyond the art world

- The founding and history of Fomo Lab and projects it is involved in

- How Khalil's interest in the virtual world began

- Next steps for virtual asset management and what's next for Fomo Lab

Sustainability is a concept that every industry is looking at very closely, with the aim of creating the best possible product that is also good for the environment. O2 Monde is a boutique footwear brand that champions the idea of sustainability with shoes that are completely vegan, made of unique plan-based materials through a process that has a low carbon footprint. Mirco Scoccia, the brains behind O2 Monder, talks about his love of shoe design, his experience in the industry and what led him to create his own brand.

In this episode, we cover:

- Mirco's brackground in shoe design, starting from his childhood in Italy

- His experience working with brands like Bottega Veneta, Tory Burch and Cole Haan, among others

- What led to the formation of O2 Monde, and what the brand represents

- The intricacies and the challenges involved in vegan, sustainable shoe design

- Mirco's design philosophy

- What we can expect from O2 Monde in the future

The short-term rental market in Dubai has been booming of late, and got a significant boost as a result of Expo 2020 and other recent world events. Award-winning luxury brokerage LuxuryProperty.com made its first official foray into the world of short-term rentals this year with the launch of its subsidiary brand 'Short Stays by LuxuryProperty.com'. Alex Eady, the Head of Short Stays, talks about what makes for a perfect short stay home in Dubai and what the outlook for that segment of the market is in the coming months.

In this episode, we cover:

- The performance of Dubai's short-term rental market so far in 2022

- Key areas where short-term letting is popular

- Factors influencing current market trends and the current tenant profile in Dubai

- What potential landlords need to keep in mind to ensure that their home is ready to be leased out on a short-term basis

- The value of short-term leasing for any kind homeowner and the income potential it represents

- What we can expect throughout the rest of the year

A pen is one of the most indispensable tools that you can have - whether you are writing out a grocery list or signing an important contract. But some pens are so much more than that - they are style statements, fashion pieces and can offer a great insight into your personality. Michael Kahwajy-Hyland is the founder of Turning Point Pen Co., a manufacturer of luxury pens that is changing the face of the industry. But pen design is just one of many passions that define this unique and multifaceted individual.

In this episode, we cover:

- Michael's background in craftsmanship and the formation of Turning Point Pen Co

- How Michael is changing some of the standard practices of the luxury pen manufacturing industry

- The design process behind a pen and the challenges that come with it

- Michael's other varied interests including motivational speaking and Lebanese folk dancing

- How the pen industry endures in an age of virtual assistants and online writing tools

Brazil's most well-known interior design studio, with 17 showrooms located across the country, has just opened its doors in Dubai. Ornare, which means to decorate or adorn, provides a custom interior design solution that is backed up by decades of architectural and design expertise. Carina Fontes and Shalise Basso, who are both overseeing the Dubai outpost of Ornare, talk about their passion for design and what sets them apart from other design firms in Dubai.

In this episode, we cover:

- The history and background of Ornare

- The concept behind the Dubai showroom and its location in The Opus

- The scope of the design offered by Ornare and what makes them unique

- Design challenges and how to work around them

- Plans for expansion and what to expect from this year

In Dubai, there is perhaps no better time to be a real estate agent than the present. The market has hit some phenomenal highs over the past 18 months, and it seems the best is yet to come. However, it's important to understand that a fast-moving market doesn't guarantee instant success. For all aspiring real estate brokers, there are several different factors to keep in mind. Mark Richards, Sales Director at award-winning luxury brokerage LuxuryProperty.com (and parent company of The Luxury Podcast) provides his view on the market, and  the most important tools for finding success.

In this episode, we cover:

- The post-Covid performance of Dubai real estate and the impact of the East European conflict

- What a post-Expo landscape would look like in Dubai

- How the market has changed since the mid-2000's

- How the skillset of a real estate agent has expanded with the times

- The most important advice for new real estate agents

- Goals for 2022

Imagine taking to the open water in your own private yacht, able to visit any corner of the world that you choose without a single care. There is one man who was done just that for the past 30 years and now dedicates his time to guiding others toward achieving the same dream. John Crupi is not only a highly experience yacht captain, he is the founder of Rubicon Maritime, a luxury yacht brokerage anchored in Florida. If you have ever considered the idea of buying a yacht but don't really know where to begin, he has all the answers to ensure the entire process is smooth sailing.

In this episode, we cover:

- Where John's love of sailing developed and his experience as a yacht captain

- The founding of Rubicon Maritime and the services it offers

- Things to consider before buying a yacht and hiring a crew

- Why chartering a boat first might be a good option

- How Covid impacted John's last round-the-world trip

- What's next for Rubicon Maritime in 2022

Art is one of Dubai's hidden gems - while the city is best known for the artistry of its architecture and incredibly picturesque landmarks, there is an art movement that has been growing and evolving at a rapid pace. Paola Marucci, the co-founder of Italy's Oblong Contemporary Gallery, talks about how the art scene is developing in Dubai, the role Oblong plays in promoting art across the Middle East, the rise of NFTs, and how art forms one of the foundations of the city's future growth.

In this episode, we cover:

- The history and concept of Oblong Contemporary Gallery

- The definition of 'contemporary art', and how Oblong curates works for its collection

- The growth and development of art in Dubai and Oblong's promotion of artistic expression

- How the pandemic affected the global art world

- NFTs and the role they play in the future of art

- Planned exhibitions at Oblong this year, and a continued appreciation of art in all forms

There are some car brands that are better known for design and others that put performance at the forefront - Audi is a brand that does both seamlessly, and is always looking for new ways to innovate. Elmir Arnautovic, the Director of Marketing & Communications for Audi Middle East, talks about the exciting developments that took place over the course of 2021, and the bold vision for the future that Audi will be delivering on over the next few years.

In this episode, we cover:

- The introduction of Audi's first electric models in the Middle East in 2021

- New concept models that will make their debut in Dubai later this year

- How the UAE is adapting to an infrastructure designed for electric vehicles

- How the pandemic changed the nature of business

- What makes Audi stand out in the luxury automotive market

- A look at the future of the Audi brand and the driving experience overall

The real estate market across the world saw an uplift in 2021, especially key markets like Dubai, London and New York. There were over $30bn worth of sales closed in the prime New York market, and 2022 looks to be even bigger. SERHANT, the brokerage firm founded by celebrity realtor Ryan Serhant, took over the marketing and sales of a luxury condominium building in Manhattan known as The Westly. Talia McKinney, who is part of the sales team at SERHANT and specialises in The Westly, comes on the show to talk about what makes this New York's hottest residential project.

In this episode, we cover:

- What drew SERHANT to The Westly

- The incredible architecture and design of the building

- World-class amenities available at The Westly

- What makes the Upper West Side one of Manhattan's most prestigious neighbourhoods

- Outlook for the New York real estate market in 2022

- What's next for SERHANT

The UAE's relationship with coffee goes back decades and is constantly evolving. Sometimes, it feels like there is a new coffeeshop opening up every day. But there are a few that stand out from the rest - Third Wave at Al Barari is just one such example. Yousif Al Hammadi, the founder of Third Wave talks about what it takes to create a unique coffee concept in a dynamic city like Dubai how the coffee experience continues to change, putting more focus on creating the perfect cup for each and every customer.

In this episode, we cover:

- The concept behind Third Wave and the meaning behind the brand's seemingly offbeat name

- How the cafe was conceptualized and how its signature drinks are created

- Trends in the coffee industry

- How Covid proved to be an unexpected boon for coffee drinkers

- Advice for small business owners who are starting out

- The future of Third Wave in Dubai and globally

Since they were first announced a few years ago, Golden Visas in the UAE have been the source of much speculation and discussion. What are the exact criteria? How does it differ from a standard long-term visa? What are the exact benefits? Grant Kirk, COO of Synergy Gulf, is the man who can answer those questions. As someone who works with local and international clients on a regular basis to help with visa processes, business incorporation and more, Grant can tell you exactly what you need to know before starting your new life in Dubai.

In this episode, we cover:

- An exciting new announcement concerning changes to the working week in the UAE

- The definition and scope of a Golden Visa, plus the process to obtain one

- The other services offered by Synergy Gulf, particularly for HNWI clients

- The impact of both Covid-19 and Expo 2020 on Dubai's business landscape

- What to expect from an ever-evolving city like Dubai in 2022 and beyond

'Italian bespoke design' is a phrase that captures the very essence of luxury. Italy is one of the world's design powerhouses, whether it is in the world of fashion, automotive, or architecture. And there is one studio that is bringing the very best of Italian home architectural design to Dubai - Made in Italy 360, founded by Gratziela Gerkens. In this episode, Gratziela discusses her unique vision and her journey from designing penthouses in Europe to designing some of Dubai's finest mansions.

In this episode, we cover:

- Made in Italy 360's latest project, the gorgeous Villa Blanca in Dubai Hills Estate

- The design process that drives Gratziela's projects

- Her design journey, from early beginnings in Italy to the founding of her own brand

- What makes Made in Italy 360 stand out from other design houses operating in Dubai

- Future projects in Dubai and beyond

It has been a phenomenal year for real estate in Dubai, and especially for LuxuryProperty.com, the city's leading luxury brokerage. However, for one man that success is not enough. For one man, there is a grander goal to accomplish, one that will take the company to even grander heights amidst a soaring market. That man is Mark Castley, Sales Director of LuxuryProperty.com, who has a plan for success. In this episode, Mark talks about his extensive experience in real estate (spanning 17 years!) and his vision for the future.

In this episode, we cover:

- Mark's role with LuxuryProperty.com and the power of the brand

- His first foray into real estate and how he knew it was the right career path

- His global experiences, including real estate markets in Ho Chi Minh City and across the US

- The life of a semi-professional footballer in the UK

- The current of the Dubai real estate market, potential effects of Expo 2020 and what can be expected from 2022

There are certain brands that are synonymous with the term 'luxury'. One of those brands is Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a name that immediately evokes images of grand saloon cars with that iconic front grille. This really is a brand that needs no introduction, and it is setting new benchmarks for the high-end automotive industry with beautiful bespoke models and its very first electric vehicle. In this episode we are joined by César Habib, the Regional Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East & Africa, who provides a more in-depth look at one of the world's quintessential luxury brands.

In this episode, we cover:

- Specially commissioned bespoke Rolls-Royce models that were recently unveiled in the Middle East and the design inspiration behind them

- An overview of the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the first fully electric Rolls-Royce that is expected to be released in 2023

- The effect of the pandemic on the Rolls-Royce brand

- The incredible Rolls-Royce Boutique in City Walk Dubai and the unique experience it offers

- The emergence of the 'grey market' of Rolls-Royce imports and why it isn't an advisable route for consumers

Dubai is a city focused on the idea of 'building greatness'. Having built itself up from a small port town to a thriving global metropolis, it is now a place where a lot of people want to build homes of their own. And if they are looking to create a luxury masterpiece, then LC & Partners is there to help. An engineering and project management firm with over a decade of experience in Europe and the Middle East, LC & Partners has introduced a new concept known as 'Italian Luxury Mansions'. If you own a plot of land, that you plan to develop, they will help you with the design and construction process, and even help you manage the property. Lorenzo Candelpergher, CEO of LC & Partners, joins us to talk more about the concept and the breadth of work his firm covers.

In this episode, we cover:

- The need for high-quality design in Dubai that not only looks good, but is built to last centuries, and how Italian Luxury Mansions fills that need

- A brief history of LC & Partners and their work across the Middle East - including Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE

- The involvement of LC & Partners with Expo 2020, where they have consulted on 12 different pavilions

- Continued involvement with Expo 2020 and what comes next

Luxury is often associated with material pleasures - expensive cars, fine jewellery and private yachts. But some of life's true luxuries are about unique experiences and sensations. In this super-sized episode we speak with Danny Meese, the New York-based founder of Metavore, a movement that is designed to provide a different perspective on luxury, one that promotes taking some time out to smell the roses. Join us as we learn more about the concept and about Danny's multifaceted creative journey.

In this episode, we cover:

- The thought process behind Metavore

- How the Metavore experiences are crafted

- A brief detour into the word of gourmet cooking and Danny's previous work as a chef

- Danny's creative background in advertising and marketing

- The future of Metavore